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Children are now consuming dangerously excessive amounts of sugar – currently three times the new maximum daily amount – putting them at risk of serious health problems.

Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults, making them more prone to a range of serious health risks, such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes.

There are now 2.5 million people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, 90 per cent of them overweight or obese.

Obesity costs the NHS £5.1 billion per year and is projected to rise to £9.7 billion by 2050, with wider costs to society estimated to reach £49.9 billion per year.

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One fifth of four to five year-olds and a third of 10 to 11 year olds are overweight or obese

The people behind the Change4Life campaign have also launched a new Sugar Smart app to help parents see how much sugar there is in everyday food and drink.

The free app works by scanning the barcode of products and revealing the amount of total sugar contained in cubes and grams.

The campaign reveals the sugar content of everyday food and drink.

A chocolate bar contains six cubes of sugar, a small carton or pouch of juice drink contains over five cubes and there are nine sugar cubes in a can of cola, instantly taking children up to or over their recommended maximum for the day.

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The Change4Life campaign reveals the sugar content of everyday food and drink.

Singer and TV presenter Jamelia is supporting the campaign and starring in a series of Sugar Smart films from January. She said: “One of the trickiest challenges as a mum is trying to avoid sugar sneaking into my children’s diets. Supporting this new Change4Life campaign has opened my eyes to how much sugar is in the everyday food and drink we eat and drink. It’s so important to take control of the amount of sugar our kids are eating and act now. I’d recommend all parents download the Sugar Smart app to uncover sugar that’s in their everyday food and drink to make healthier choices when food shopping.”

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist for Public Health England, added: “Children are having too much sugar, three times the maximum recommended amount. This can lead to painful tooth decay, weight gain and obesity, which can also affect children’s wellbeing as they are more likely to be bullied, have low self-esteem and miss school.

“Children aged five shouldn’t have more than 19 grams of sugar per day – that’s five cubes, but it’s very easy to have more. That’s why we want parents to be Sugar Smart. Our easy to use app will help parents see exactly where the sugar in their children’s diet is coming from, so they can make informed choices about what to cut down on.”